Breathe
By Gabriela Gorab
Premature babies are a true example of strength from the moment they arrive in the world. They are born early, fragile and tiny, and with an immense struggle ahead of them. However, while much is said about them when they are newborns, rarely is it considered what happens to them as they grow up. What is their life like as adults? This essay seeks to explore a little-known reality: that of people who were born premature and face unique challenges throughout their lives.
A premature baby comes into the world before 37 weeks gestation, which means their body was not yet ready for life outside the womb. Because of this, they often need intensive care to breathe, feed and grow. Fortunately, medical advances have increased their chances of survival. But what happens after they leave the hospital?
Although the early years are often crucial, the medical and social care they receive often diminishes over time. This leaves many families and preemies themselves with doubts and challenges about what lies ahead for them in adulthood.
The unseen challenges
People who are born prematurely may face health problems later in life, such as heart disease, difficulty concentrating or even anxiety. However, these issues are not talked about as much as others related to childhood.
Emotionally, many adults born prematurely report feeling different or more insecure. Perhaps because their life began with such a struggle, they carry a sense of vulnerability that they don't always know how to express.
In spite of this, these people often develop a special strength to face life, but they often do so in silence, without others understanding what they have experienced.
Being premature is not only a challenge, it is also an opportunity to learn about human resilience. People who are born early have an incredible ability to adapt and overcome obstacles. They have known adversity from day one, and that experience teaches them to appreciate life in a unique way.
It is important that society recognizes this reality. We need to understand that being premature is not just about surviving birth, but how that experience defines the rest of life.
Why should we talk about this?
Talking about adults born preterm is necessary so they don't feel invisible. We must listen to their stories and give them space in conversations about health and wellness. It is also vital to create support networks and resources for them and their families, because their needs do not end in infancy.
The lives of people born prematurely remind us that every beginning has its own story and that, although sometimes difficult, it can also be extraordinary. By talking about them, we break the silence and help to build a more understanding society, where the struggle not only to survive but also to live fully is valued.
"Mother and Child" is a detail from the 180 x 180 cm oil on canvas of "The Three Ages of Woman" by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, made around 1905.
"The Three Ages of Woman" is on permanent display at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome. The painting depicts the three main stages in a woman's life: childhood, motherhood and old age. The detail of "Mother and Child" shows a young woman holding her infant son, symbolizing motherhood and the deep bond between mother and child. Klimt uses warm colors and ornamental patterns to highlight the intimacy and tenderness of the scene. The piece reflects Klimt's fascination with the cycle of life and femininity, recurring themes in his work. The detail "Mother and Child" has been reproduced in various formats, including tapestries and canvases, due to its emotionality and beauty.This masterpiece by Klimt continues to be a source of inspiration and admiration, highlighting the artist's ability to capture the essence of human relationships and the stages of life.
The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of the company. Opinion 51.
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